System and method for implementing a suspended personal radiation protection system

Abstract

A personal radiation protection garment that substantially contours to an operator's body is suspended from a suspension means. The garment is operable to protect the operator from radiation. The suspension means is operable to apply constant force. The suspension means allows operator wearing protective radiation garment to move freely in the X, Y, and Z spatial planes simultaneously, such that the protective radiation garment is substantially weightless to operator. A radiation protection face shield and flap can also be suspended from suspension means, such that face shield and flap are substantially weightless to operator. The suspension means can be mounted to a ceiling.

Description

CLAIMING PRIORITY ON A PROVISIONAL[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 751371 filed Dec. 16, 2005.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates in general to medicine and, more particularly, to a suspended personal radiation protection garment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Radiation is used to perform many medical diagnostic and therapeutic tests and procedures. Medical, veterinary, or research personnel may be involved in the performance of such procedures in great numbers and over many years, and are being exposed to scattered radiation as they perform their work. These long-term effects are poorly understood at the present time, but are considered serious enough to warrant mandatory protection to operators in the form of garments or barriers containing materials that absorb a significant proportion of the radiation. In order to properly treat patients, operators require a freedom of motion. Providing ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In accordance with the present invention, a method, a system, and an apparatus for implementing a suspended personal radiation protection garment are provided, which substantially eliminate or reduce the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems, methods, and apparatuses.

[0005]In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for a suspended personal radiation protection device includes providing a garment that substantially contours to an operator's body. The garment is operable to protect the operator from radiation. The garment is suspended from a suspension component.

[0006]In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for a suspended personal radiation protection device includes providing a garment that substantially contours to an operator's body while suspended from suspension component. The suspension component is operable for operator wearing protective radiation garment to move freely in the X, Y, and Z spatial planes simultaneously, such that the protective radiation garment is substantially weightless to the operator. The suspension component is further operable to support the partial weight of the operator, such that the operator can move around in substantially zero gravity or such that the operator bears only a portion of his total weight. The suspension component can be mounted to a ceiling. The suspended personal radiation protection device further includes a face shield, such that the face shield is transparent to visible light allowing operator unhindered vision, and the face shield protects operator from radiation. The suspended personal radiation protection device further includes a flap, such that the flap is operable to protect the operator from radiation between the garment and face shield.

[0007]Important technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include supporting the weight of radiation protection garment, face shield, and flap worn by operators. This allows radiation protection garments to be heavier. As a result, radiation protection garments can protect larger areas of operator's body. Radiation protection garments can be thicker to increase X-ray attenuation. More radiation protection reduces operator's risk of cancers, cataracts, and skin damage.

[0008]Other important technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include reducing the risk and incidence of musculoskeletal injuries from wearing heavy radiation protection garments. Operators using the present invention have normal freedom of motion as if operator is not wearing heavy material. Furthermore, the present invention allows operator to move about in substantially zero gravity, such that suspension device supports majority of operator's weight, such that operators can work long periods without fatigue.

Problems solved by technology

Medical, veterinary, or research personnel may be involved in the performance of such procedures in great numbers and over many years, and are being exposed to scattered radiation as they perform their work.

These long-term effects are poorly understood at the present time, but are considered serious enough to warrant mandatory protection to operators in the form of garments or barriers containing materials that absorb a significant proportion of the radiation.

Providing a personal radiation protection garment that properly protects operators, while allowing operators to move freely and comfortably presents a significant challenge for medical operators in radiation environments.

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